It was deemed advisable not to put in issue either the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, or the repeal of the fugitive slave law, and Seward's pronounced attitude on these questions, it was asserted, would involve them in the campaign regardless of the silence of the platform.
Alexander discusses the political strategy of avoiding contentious issues during the campaign, particularly regarding slavery.
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He set the custom of dictating bills in chancery to an amanuensis, doing it with such accuracy that a word had seldom to be changed.
It cared nothing for the Democratic party except as it contributed to its selfish ends.
This is the spirit in which I have determined for myself to come up to this great question, and to pass through it.
Public sentiment generally sustained the Administration in such action, but many persons, including conservative Republicans, frequently questioned the right or justice of such procedure.
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